“Jugging” the Latest Robbery Trend to Sweep Across Several States

Austin, Texas police say they are noticing a new trend that is spreading across their state and multiple others called “Jugging”.

Jugging happens mostly at banks, where suspects follow customers back to their homes before robbing them. There have been 82 cases reported this year in Austin. 

Police said, “It’s currently women, elderly individuals, and those petite or small in stature that seem to be mostly targeted. An estimated $590,000 has been stolen so far by this latest robbery trend.”

Investigators call this type of crime “jugging,” which is when a robber waits at a bank, check-cashing store or ATM for someone to withdraw paper money. The robber then follows the customer outside the establishment before taking the money from the victim or breaking into the person’s vehicle, most often at a new location but sometimes outside the bank.

“There, they are approached, threatened with violence, or assaulted while the suspect demands the money or aggressively takes the cash bag,” the Austin Police Department said in a statement.

Those who carry cash bags or have cash in hand are especially at risk.

The following are tips to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Take note of anyone that is hanging around in the lobby of the bank or parking lot that does not appear immediately occupied.
2. Try not to be distracted while in the financial institution-ie: on your phone, earbuds, etc.
3. Notice any vehicles that may follow you out of the parking lot and ensure you are not being followed.
4. Before leaving the counter after receiving cash, secure it in a different bag (other than the small zipper cash bags or envelopes utilized), such as a briefcase or purse.
5. Lock your car doors when you get into your vehicle.
6. Do not leave large amounts of money inside of your vehicle.
7. If you believe you have been followed from a financial institution for any length of time, please call 911 or drive to the nearest police station or fire/EMS station.
8. Speak with security at your bank to see if they can assist you with large withdrawals or if they have any safety suggestions when withdrawing a significant amount of cash.

Waco police are also warning of an increase in their city after four cases were reported last week at local Chase and Bank of America locations.

A case in Houston last month ended in the arrest of two people accused of following a man after he left a bank and burglarizing his vehicle.

One of the suspects had a previous warrant for burglary of another vehicle, police said.

In one notable case last year, a University of Texas housing resident in Houston was followed to multiple locations around the city after visiting a bank.

She noticed the person first in a grocery store parking lot and saw him again as she checked her mail near her on-campus apartment, police said. Her purse was stolen from her vehicle when she went to get help.

San Antonio authorities have noticed increases in jugging during holidays.

“While the holiday season is the peak time for jugging to happen, it can take place at any time, so it is important to always practice safety precautions,” San Antonio police said in a statement.